Depression Among The Historical Members Of Society
Depression is a defined as a medical illness in which a person has
persistent feelings of sadness often with discouragement and a lack of
self-worth (Medical Center). There are
many elders within our community that feel as if they have been forgotten, abused,
lonely, and that no one cares. Most of
the time this issue is never recognized or treated. The older citizens of society have been
around the block; in terms of going through life adapting to changes and dealing
with all the struggles life throws at you.
People in today`s society seem to have no respect for their elders, and
don’t realize that they have gone through the situations the younger members of
citizens are currently dealing with. In
other words, they are more experienced and knowledgeable then todays generation
of people. The main causes of depression
in older adults and the elderly are health problems, loneliness and isolation,
reduced sense of purpose and fear. All
of these attributes play a huge role and have a massive impact on lifestyle. As people get older, they become less
independent and need more help and caring for.
Many older members of society feel that they are to proud to let anyone
know that they are indeed suffering, and would like a lending hand. Throughout my journey of life, I have came
across a situation dealing with elder abuse.
My neighbors at camp were in there late 80`s when the wife had passes
away. The older man was devastated and never
really recovered from the tragic incident.
His family lived all over the world, leaving him all by himself. My family was the only people he had left, he
considered us his family but we were only up there in the summer, where as he
lived there year round. This man had no
one there to talk to, or take care of him.
As the years went by he became very depressed. We noticed that something was wrong because
he was always sad, he gave up all his hobbies, and he seemed to be drinking a
lot more. It wasn’t until my dad
confronted him and asked if he way okay?
He then opened up to my dad and told him everything. To sum it up, he felt neglected and that
there was no longer a purpose for him in life.
After seeing this first hand I knew it wasn’t right, and that people
that have been around and contributed to society should end up living in such a
lonely and sad life. Society must be
more aware of the problems our elders face on a daily basis, and lend out a
hand to help. Although most elders are
to proud to admit they are suffering, they are truly hurting inside and are
dying for someone to reach out and socialize with. As a social worker, I would like to do work
in this field when I receive my degree.
No one should have to live in such a state, especially the people who
need assistance the most.
Work Cited
"Depression in Older
Adults and the Elderly." Depression in
Older Adults and the Elderly: Recognize the Signs and Find Treatment
That Works. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2012.
"Depression
in Older Adults and the Elderly." Depression in Older Adults and the
Elderly: Recognize the Signs and Find Treatment That Works. N.p., n.d. Web.
14 Dec. 2012.
"Related
Content." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 14
Dec. 2012
Drew
Drew,
ReplyDeleteI think drawing from a personal experience is always a good way to approach a topic, so great job with your blog.
Depression with the elder generations is something that a lot of people do not take as seriously as they should. I think that a lot of the time it is just surpassed that they are "grumpy" when there should be proactive choices made to help them rather than let them age with what could be a mental disorder. When individuals suffering from depression, elders included, they often suffer in silence. They are afraid or embarrassed to speak of their pain and in turn are not treated which can lead to suicide. I think that it is great that your father confronted him, in retrospect he may have saved his life.
Geraldine
Depression in the elderly is more common than people realize. When an elderly person loses a partner, they are truly alone in this world. In today's fast paced society, most adult children are either busy taking care of their own families or busy with work having little or no time to spend with an elderly parent. I did my placement hours at an old age home last year and a lot of the elderly i had worked with enjoyed our company. They would look forward to the activities that we would do with them every week. Plus having them help plan with what activities they would like to at the old age home gave them that sense of belonging and something to to do and look forward to doing. I'm glad your father had spoke to him because without socialization, he would have continued to hold on to that pain he was carrying with him.
ReplyDeleteAllison